Brisbane proved its unwavering devotion to live music last night, with a sold-out crowd packing into The Triffid for the kick-off of Atreyu’s “The Curse 20 + 1 Years” anniversary tour. This wasn’t just any Wednesday; it was the highly anticipated State of Origin decider, yet fans chose the mosh pit over the television, a testament to the band’s enduring appeal. Alongside co-headliners Memphis May Fire and supporting act Future Static the night promised an unforgettable experience.
This wasn’t just another gig; it was a potent celebration of Atreyu’s two-decade legacy, and Brisbane answered their call with a fervor that packed the venue to its limits. Kicking off the night, to my pleasant surprise, was Melbourne’s Future Static. They wasted no time making an indelible impression, unleashing a ferocious set that immediately captivated the crowd.
Vocalist Amariah Cook commanded the stage with a dynamic blend of operatic clean vocals and powerful, belting screams. “Chemical Lobotomy” showcased her raw intensity. By the time they launched into “Waves,” she was grinning, teasing the audience with a defiant, “Are you ready for a hectic breakdown?” Without awaiting a response, she slammed directly into it with divine precision. Closing with “Roach Queen,” it was genuinely difficult to pick a standout track, as each song delivered headbanging-worthy breakdowns. Future Static is poised to be a significant force in the scene – indeed, in the future.
It had been far too long – Soundwave 2013, to be exact – since I last witnessed Memphis May Fire tear up a stage in Australia. But last night, they wasted no time making up for lost time. They ignited the The Triffid with an electrifying start, unleashing “Shapeshifter,” “Paralyzed,” and “Overdose” in quick succession. From the very first note, Matty Mullins and the band delivered a decade’s worth of redemption.
While the mosh pit wasn’t as wild as some might have hoped, dedicated long-term fans like me were still giving it our all, throwing ourselves into every song – even if it meant risking a sore back the next day! Old favorites like “Vices” and “The Sinner” were nothing short of incredible. “Miles Away” provided a touching singalong moment, featuring clean vocals from guitarist Kellen McGregor that would surely make Kellin Quinn proud.
Mullins closed out their phenomenal set with “Blood & Water,” a track where his flawless vocal performance was only outshone by his commanding stage presence. With CO2 cannons blasting throughout each song, Memphis May Fire powerfully reminded both old and new fans why they’ve been a force in the metalcore scene for so long. Here’s hoping we won’t have to wait another decade for their return!
The lights dimmed, and Atreyu commanded the stage, launching straight into a powerful, track-by-track rendition of The Curse. This wasn’t just a performance; it was a faithful recreation of their seminal album, delivered exactly as it was intended 21 years ago. The moment “Bleeding Mascara” unleashed its intricate riffage and that iconic “GOOOOOOO” bellow, the crowd erupted. Bodies surged, a chaotic symphony of motion that sent drinks spilling and former pit veterans tumbling in the joyous pandemonium.
“Right Side Of The Bed” erupted, a potent blend of crushing riffs and primal drumming that resonated deeply with the crowd. Every voice in the venue joined the chorus, a collective roar of catharsis as fans relived their rebellious teenage years, undoubtedly pumping this track louder than their parents ever allowed. “This Flesh A Tomb” and “You Eclipsed By Me” kept the energy surging, fists flying and elbows high in the mosh.
The band’s sheer enjoyment was palpable. While Atreyu always seems to relish their live performances, this particular night felt different. Their return to Australia, combined with the celebration of such an iconic album, clearly added an extra layer of passion to their already electrifying presence.
Then, just as the air crackled in anticipation of “The Crimson,” Saller paused, commanding the stage. This was a reveal: he declared Australia the inaugural continent for this special anniversary tour. Then, dropping the bombshell that sent murmurs through the room, he announced they had re-recorded The Curse in full. We were the very first, the privileged few, to receive this monumental news. Naturally, limited edition vinyl’s were already on hand. To solidify the shared excitement, Saller then ignited the crowd in a powerful, unifying chant, “Aussie! Aussie! Aussie! Oi! Oi! Oi!”
Atreyu brought the performance to a truly intimate level. Brandon Saller moved from the barricade, engaging directly with fans, before venturing into the heart of the crowd itself. The set then took a more reflective turn with the tender yet powerful “The Remembrance Ballad,” followed by “An Interlude” and “Corseting.” The energy quickly shifted, however, as Saller called for a circle pit just before “Demonology And Heartache,” and the audience responded instantly, swirling with primal ferocity.
The night took a delightful turn as Travis Miguel shared Krispy Kreme donuts with the crowd, all while enjoying his own, even sharing the final bite with a lucky fan. Later, Brandon Saller led a playful rendition of the Bluey theme song, substituting “BLUEY!” with a fun little “ATREYU!” These charming, personal touches from the band, showcasing their genuine personalities, elevated the entire show.
The album portion of the set concluded with “Nevada’s Grace” and the powerful “Five Vicodin Chased With A Shot Of Clarity.” We were utterly spent, yet the band was far from finished. The encore kicked off with “Becoming The Bull,” followed by “Ex’s And Oh’s.” This signalled mass crowd-surfing: Saller himself rode the waves, a koala plushie made an appearance. Finally, the iconic “Lip Gloss And Black” brought the night to its thunderous close. The line “Live, love, burn, die,” was bellowed back by every single person in the building, culminating in one of the most unforgettable encores The Triffid has ever witnessed.
– GALLERY –
